Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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Emblem Member
This nonprovisional application is based on Japanese Patent Application No.
2021-063549 filed on April 2, 2021 with the Japan Patent Office, the entire
contents of
which are hereby incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
The present disclosure relates to an emblem member.
Description of the Background Art
A conventionally known method employs three-dimensional embroidery in
order to form a three-dimensional emblem member (for example, see Japanese
Patent
Laying-Open No. 3-249259). Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 3-249259 discloses
that a three-dimensional embroidery pattern is formed by introducing an
elastic body
inside a yarn constituting the embroidery pattern.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In the above-described conventional method, it is difficult to significantly
change the emblem member in terms of shape, tactile impression and the like,
and there
is a problem in that the method does not provide a large degree of freedom in
design.
The present disclosure has been made in order to address such an issue as
above, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide an emblem member
having
a large degree of freedom in design.
The presently disclosed emblem member comprises a base portion, a mark
portion, and a transparent member. The base portion has a surface. The mark
portion is formed on a surface of the base member. The transparent member is
connected to the base portion so as to cover at least a portion of the mark
portion.
The foregoing and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the
present
invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of
the
present invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
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Fig. 1 is a schematic plan view of an emblem member according to an
embodiment.
Fig. 2 is a schematic cross section taken along a line II-II indicated in Fig.
1.
Fig. 3 is a schematic cross section taken along a line III-III indicated in
Fig. 1.
Fig. 4 is a schematic cross section taken along a line Iv-Iv indicated in Fig.
1.
Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram for illustrating a configuration of a connecting
portion of the emblem member of Fig. 1.
Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram for illustrating an exemplary variation of the
connecting portion in the emblem member of Fig. 1.
Fig. 7 is a schematic cross section of a yam of embroidery forming a mark
portion in the emblem member of Fig. 1.
Fig. 8 is a schematic cross section showing an exemplary variation of the yarn
of the embroidery forming the mark portion in the emblem member of Fig. 1.
Fig. 9 is a flowchart of a method for manufacturing the emblem member of Fig.
1.
Fig. 10 is a flowchart for describing details of the step of forming a
transparent
member indicated in Fig. 9.
Fig. 11 is a flowchart for describing an exemplary variation of the step of
forming the transparent member indicated in Fig. 9.
Fig. 12 is a schematic cross section of an emblem member manufactured in the
method indicated in Fig. 11.
Fig. 13 is a schematic cross section showing a first exemplary variation of
the
emblem member shown in Fig. 1.
Fig. 14 is a schematic cross section showing a second exemplary variation of
the emblem member shown in Fig. 1.
Fig. 15 is a schematic cross section showing a third exemplary variation of
the
emblem member shown in Fig. 1.
Fig. 16 is a schematic cross section showing a fourth exemplary variation of
the
emblem member shown in Fig. 1.
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Fig. 17 is a schematic cross section showing a fifth exemplary variation of
the
emblem member shown in Fig. 1.
Fig. 18 is a schematic cross section showing a sixth exemplary variation of
the
emblem member shown in Fig. 1.
Fig. 19 is a schematic cross section showing a seventh exemplary variation of
the emblem member shown in Fig. 1.
Fig. 20 is a schematic cross section showing an eighth exemplary variation of
the emblem member shown in Fig. 1.
Fig. 21 is a schematic view of a ball catching tool with the Fig. 1 emblem
member attached thereto.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.
Identical components are identically denoted and will not be described
repeatedly.
<Configuration of Emblem Member>
Fig. 1 is a schematic plan view of an emblem member according to an
embodiment. Fig. 2 is a schematic cross section taken along a line II-II
indicated in
Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a schematic cross section taken along a line III-III
indicated in Fig. 1.
Fig. 4 is a schematic cross section taken along a line IV-IV indicated in Fig.
1. Fig. 5
is a schematic diagram for illustrating a configuration of a connecting
portion of the
emblem member of Fig. 1. Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram for illustrating an
exemplary
variation of the connecting portion in the emblem member of Fig. 1. Fig. 7 is
a
schematic cross section of a yarn of embroidery forming a mark portion in the
emblem
member of Fig. 1. Fig. 8 is a schematic cross section showing an exemplary
variation
of the yarn of the embroidery forming the mark portion in the emblem member of
Fig.
1.
As shown in Figs. 1 to 5, an emblem member 1 according to the present
disclosure comprises a base portion 2, a mark portion 3, and a transparent
member 4.
Base portion 2 is a flat plate-shaped member. Base portion 2 may be made of
any
material, such as felt, cloth, leather, or synthetic leather. Mark portion 3
is formed on
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a surface 2d of base portion 2.
Mark portion 3 is configured for example by embroidery 13 formed by sewing
through base portion 2 with a yarn. A pattern printed on the surface of base
portion 2
may be used as mark portion 3. Emblem member 1 shown in Fig. 1 has mark
portion
3 in the form of a quadrangle in plan view. Mark portion 3 in plan view may
have any
other shape such as a triangle, a polygon, a letter, or a logo mark. Mark
portion 3 is
provided with embroidery throughout a region surrounded by a contour line
shown in
Fig. 1. That is, mark portion 3 has its surface entirely covered with
embroidery 13.
Transparent member 4 is disposed so as to cover mark portion 3. Transparent
member 4 is connected to base portion 2 at a connecting portion 5 located at a
periphery of mark portion 3. That is, as shown in Fig. 1, in a plan view in
which
surface 2d of base portion 2 is seen in a direction perpendicular to surface
2d of base
portion 2, transparent member 4 has a periphery 4b along a periphery 3a of
mark
portion 3. Periphery 4b of transparent member 4 is disposed so as to
externally
surround periphery 3a of mark portion 3. A region located between periphery 3a
of
mark portion 3 and periphery 4b of transparent member 4 is connecting portion
5.
How connecting portion 5 is configured will be described hereinafter.
As shown in Fig. 2, transparent member 4 has a triangular shape in one cross
section. That is, in a cross section of transparent member 4 in the direction
perpendicular to surface 2d of base portion 2, a width W of transparent member
4 in a
direction along surface 2d of base portion 2 is smaller as the width is
farther away from
base portion 2. In this cross section, transparent member 4 has a side wall
inclined
with respect to surface 2d of base portion 2.
Further, as shown in Fig. 3, transparent member 4 has a trapezoidal shape in
another cross section. In this cross section, transparent member 4 has a top
surface
extending in the direction along surface 2d of base portion 2. As shown in
Fig. 1,
transparent member 4 includes a corner portion 4d. Corner portion 4d projects
in the
direction along surface 2d of base portion 2. Transparent member 4 shown in
Fig. 1
has four corner portions 4d. As shown in Fig. 4, transparent member 4 is
smaller in
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thickness T as it approaches a tip 4da of corner portion 4d. That is, at
corner portion
4d, a thickness Ti of a first portion of transparent member 4 is larger than a
thickness
T2 of a second portion of transparent member 4 located closer to tip 4da of
corner
portion 4d than the first portion.
While corner portion 4d of transparent member 4 shown in Fig. 4 has an upper
end in a straight line, the upper end may be curved. The upper end may be in a
curved
line concaved toward base portion 2, or may be in a curved line convexed in a
direction
away from base portion 2. Alternatively, the upper end may include a curved
line
portion concaved toward base portion 2 and a curved line portion convexed in
the
direction away from base portion 2.
Transparent member 4 may be made of any material, for example, resin such as
silicone resin. Transparent member 4 formed of a transparent or semi-
transparent
material suffices. Herein, being "semi-transparent" means having a
transmittance less
than 100 for visible light and still allowing mark portion 3 to be visually
recognized
through transparent member 4. For example, transparent member 4 having a
transmittance of 40% or more for visible light suffices. A semi-transparent
and
colored material may be used as a material for transparent member 4.
As shown in Fig. 5, connecting portion 5 has a structure in which transparent
member 4 has a portion 4a entering and fixed in a gap 2c formed in a surface
of base
portion 2. When a fibrous material such as felt is used as base portion 2, gap
2c
between fibers is present in the surface of base portion 2. Transparent member
4 is
fixed to base portion 2 as transparent member 4 has portion 4a solidified
while gap 2c
is impregnated therewith. Further, as embroidery 13 is used as mark portion 3,
a gap
between a yarn constituting embroidery 13 and surface 2d of base portion 2 and
a gap
between the yarn and another such yarn are also impregnated with a portion of
transparent member 4 and the portion of transparent member is solidified. As a
result,
transparent member 4 is connected to base portion 2 and mark portion 3.
As a structure of connecting portion 5, as shown in Fig. 6, base portion 2 may
have a portion 2b projecting toward and also buried in transparent member 4.
As
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portion 2b of base portion 2, for example, fibers projecting from surface 2d
of base
portion 2 can be used. Connecting portion 5 having such a configuration also
increases an area of a connection interface between base portion 2 and
transparent
member 4, and can firmly fix base portion 2 and transparent member 4 together.
Transparent member 4 connected to base portion 2 so as to cover at least a
portion of
mark portion 3 suffices. That is, transparent member 4 may cover a portion of
mark
portion 3 and also be connected to base portion 2 by connecting portion 5.
A flat yarn 14 having a cross section as shown in Fig. 7 is used as a yarn
constituting embroidery 13 as mark portion 3. Flat yarn 14 is preferably a
flat yarn
made of glossy resin. As a yarn constituting embroidery 13, a yarn 15 having a
round
cross section as shown in Fig. 8 or a yarn having another cross section may be
used.
<Function>
Emblem member 1 according to the present disclosure comprises base portion
2, mark portion 3, and transparent member 4. Base portion 2 has surface 2d.
Mark
portion 3 is formed on surface 2d of base portion 2. Transparent member 4 is
connected to base portion 2 so as to cover at least a portion of mark portion
3. In this
case, mark portion 3 can be visually recognized through transparent member 4,
and
transparent member 4 can have a three-dimensional shape determined
independently of
the shape and material(s) of mark portion 3. This can provide an increased
degree of
freedom in designing emblem member 1.
For emblem member 1, connecting portion 5 between base portion 2 and
transparent member 4 may include at least one of a first structure and a
second
structure. In the first structure, base portion 2 has portion 2b projecting
toward and
also buried in transparent member 4. In the second structure, transparent
member 4
has portion 4a entering and fixed in gap 2c formed in a surface of base
portion 2. In
this case, base portion 2 and transparent member 4 can be fixed together by
connecting
portion 5. By adopting connecting portion 5 having such a configuration, a
material
which is difficult to be directly bonded to base portion 2 can be selected as
a material
for transparent member 4. This can provide a farther increased degree of
freedom in
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designing emblem member 1.
For emblem member 1, mark portion 3 may include embroidery 13 provided on
a surface of base portion 2. In this case, by visually recognizing mark
portion 3 that is
composed of embroidery 13 through transparent member 4, emblem member 1
different in designability from an emblem member composed of embroidery 13
alone
can be implemented.
For emblem member 1, flat yam 14 as a yarn constituting embroidery 13 may
have a rectangular cross section. When this is compared with embroidery 13
composed of a yarn having a round cross section, the former can provide
embroidery
13 as mark portion 3 with a change in texture. As a result, emblem member 1
can be
enhanced in designability.
For emblem member 1, yarn 15 constituting embroidery 13 may have a round
cross section. This allows embroidery 13 as mark portion 3 to generally have a
smooth and uniform texture.
For emblem member 1, in a plan view in which surface 2d of base portion 2 is
seen in a direction perpendicular to surface 2d of base portion 2, transparent
member 4
may have periphery 4b along periphery 3a of mark portion 3. In this case,
transparent
member 4 having a shape along that of mark portion 3 in plan view can be
obtained.
For emblem member 1, in plan view, periphery 4b of transparent member 4 may
be outer than periphery 3a of mark portion 3. In this case, transparent member
4 is
disposed so as to cover a surface of mark portion 3 entirely. Therefore, a
visual effect
through visual recognition through transparent member 4 can be obtained
throughout
mark portion 3.
For emblem member 1, in a cross section of transparent member 4 in the
direction perpendicular to surface 2d of base portion 2, width W of
transparent member
4 in the direction along surface 2d of base portion 2 may be smaller as the
width is
farther away from base portion 2. In this case, transparent member 4 has a
side
surface inclined with respect to surface 2d of base portion 2, and mark
portion 3 is
easily visually recognizable through transparent member 4.
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For emblem member 1, transparent member 4 may include corner portion 4d.
Corner portion 4d may project in the direction along surface 2d of base
portion 2.
Transparent member 4 may be smaller in thickness T as it approaches tip 4da of
corner
portion 4d. In this case, transparent member 4 is in the form of a wedge
decreasing in
width and height as corner portion 4d of transparent member 4 approaches tip
4da.
When this is compared with adopting a simple shape such as a cube as a shape
of
transparent member 4, the former can enhance emblem member 1 in designability.
<Method for Manufacturing Emblem Member>
Fig. 9 is a flowchart of a method for manufacturing the emblem member of Fig.
1. Fig. 10 is a flowchart for describing details of the step of forming a
transparent
member indicated in Fig. 9. As shown in Figs. 9 and 10, the method for
manufacturing an emblem member comprises the step of preparing (S10) and the
step
of forming a transparent member (S20).
In step (S10), base portion 2 having surface 2d with mark portion 3 formed
thereon is prepared. In step (S20), transparent member 4 is connected to base
portion
2. Transparent member 4 is connected to base portion 2 so as to cover at
least a
portion of mark portion 3. Hereinafter, step (S20) will be described in
detail.
As shown in Fig. 10, step (S20) includes the step of preparing a mold (S201),
the step of introducing resin (S202), the step of disposing (S203), and the
step of curing
(S204). Specifically, initially, the step of preparing a mold (S201) is
performed. In
step (S201), a mold in which a recess that defines an external shape of
transparent
member 4 is formed is prepared. Any conventionally well-known material can be
used as a material for the mold.
Subsequently, the step of introducing resin (S202) is performed. In step
(S202), resin to be transparent member 4 is introduced into the recess of the
mold.
The resin is preferably in the form of liquid.
Subsequently, the step of disposing (S203) is performed. In step (S203), base
portion 2 is disposed to come into contact with the resin introduced in the
recess of the
mold. In doing so, that surface of base portion 2 which has mark portion 3
formed
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thereon comes into contact with the resin.
Subsequently, the step of curing (S204) is performed. In step (S204), the
resin
in contact with base portion 2 is cured. As a result, the cured resin becomes
transparent member 4. Transparent member 4 has been connected to base portion
2.
Thereafter, an emblem member having transparent member 4 and base portion 2
integrated together is removed from the mold. In this way, the emblem member
can
be manufactured.
<Function>
The method for manufacturing an emblem member according to the present
disclosure comprises the step of preparing (S10) and the step of forming
(S20). In the
step of preparing (S10), base portion 2 having surface 2d with mark portion 3
formed
thereon is prepared. In the step of forming (S20), transparent member 4
connected to
base portion 2 is formed so as to cover at least a portion of mark portion 3.
Thus, the
emblem member according to the present embodiment can be obtained.
In the method for manufacturing an emblem member, the step of forming (S20)
may include the step of preparing a mold (S201), the step of introducing resin
(S202),
the step of disposing (S203), and the step of curing (S204). In the step of
preparing a
mold (S201), a mold in which a recess that defines an external shape of
transparent
member 4 is formed may be prepared. In the step of introducing resin (S202),
resin to
be transparent member 4 may be introduced into the recess of the mold. In the
step of
disposing (S203), base portion 2 may be disposed to come into contact with the
resin.
In the step of curing (S204) as the step of forming the transparent member,
the resin in
contact with base portion 2 may be cured.
In this case, in the step of curing (S204) to cure the resin in order to form
transparent member 4, transparent member 4 can be connected to base portion 2
by
solidifying the resin while the resin has a portion in contact with base
portion 2.
<Exemplary Variation of Method for Manufacturing Emblem Member>
Fig. 11 is a flowchart for describing an exemplary variation of the step of
forming the transparent member indicated in Fig. 9. Fig. 12 is a schematic
cross
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section of an emblem member manufactured in the method indicated in Fig. 11.
An exemplary variation of the method for manufacturing the emblem member
basically comprises the same process as the method for manufacturing the
emblem
member shown in Fig. 9 except for specifics of step (S20). That is, as shown
in Fig.
11, in the exemplary variation of the method for manufacturing the emblem
member,
the step of forming the transparent member (S20) includes the step of
disposing a first
member (S211) and the step of curing (S212).
In the exemplary variation of the method for manufacturing the emblem
member, after the step of preparing (S10) shown in Fig. 9 is performed, the
step of
disposing the first member (S211) in step (S20) is performed. In this step
(S211), a
first member 41 (see Fig. 12) to be transparent member 4 is disposed via an
adhesive
layer 42 (see Fig. 12) on surface 2d of base portion 2 on which mark portion 3
is
formed. First member 41 and adhesive layer 42 are disposed on mark portion 3
of
base portion 2. A paste adhesive is used as adhesive layer 42. Adhesive layer
42 is
an adhesive which becomes transparent or semi-transparent after it is cured.
Adhesive
layer 42 may be formed of any conventionally well-known adhesive that can
stick first
member 41 and base portion 2 together.
First member 41 is a member constituting a portion of transparent member 4,
and is composed of a transparent or semi-transparent member. First member 41
is
previously shaped so as to be a portion of a final shape of transparent member
4.
Subsequently, the step of curing (S212) is performed. In step (S212), adhesive
layer 42 is cured. Base portion 2 is impregnated with a portion of adhesive
layer 42.
As a result, connecting portion 5 (see Fig. 12) is formed when adhesive layer
42 is
cured. Further, adhesive layer 42 cured (see Fig. 12) serves as a portion of
transparent
member 4. Thus, first member 41 and adhesive layer 42 cured constitute
transparent
member 4. Thus, emblem member 1 shown in Fig. 12 is obtained.
When the adhesive forming adhesive layer 42 has good adhesion to base portion
2, base portion 2 may not be impregnated with a portion of adhesive layer 42
and
adhesive layer 42 may directly adhere to surface 2d of base portion 2.
Further, when
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adhesive layer 42 exhibits good adhesion to a material constituting mark
portion 3,
adhesive layer 42 and base portion 2 may not be directly connected together
outside
mark portion 3.
<Function>
For emblem member 1, connecting portion 5 may include adhesive layer 42
cured. In this case, the process for manufacturing emblem member 1 can be
simplified by using an adhesive.
<Configuration and Function of Variation of Emblem Member>
Figs. 13 to 20 show an exemplary variation of the emblem member shown in
Fig. 1. Figs. 13 to 20 each correspond to Fig. 2. Hereinafter, exemplary
variations
of the emblem member will be described.
Fig. 13 is a schematic cross section showing a first exemplary variation of
the
emblem member shown in Fig. 1. Emblem member 1 shown in Fig. 13 basically has
the same configuration as emblem member 1 shown in Fig. 1 except that how
connecting portion 5 is configured and a coating layer 6 is further comprised.
That is,
for the emblem member shown in Fig. 13, surface 2d of base portion 2 includes
a first
region 2da and a second region 2db. First region 2da is a region in which
transparent
member 4 is disposed so as to cover mark portion 3. Second region 2db is a
region
other than first region 2da. Second region 2db surrounds first region 2da.
Emblem
member 1 includes coating layer 6 disposed so as to cover second region 2db.
Coating layer 6 is connected to transparent member 4. Coating layer 6 is
composed of
a material similar to that of transparent member 4. Connecting portion 5 is an
impregnated portion 2a at which base portion 2 is impregnated with a portion
of
transparent member 4 and coating layer 6 and the portion is solidified, and
connecting
portion 5 extends from a region under a peripheral portion of transparent
member 4 to a
region under coating layer 6. Connecting portion 5 is formed throughout a
region
located under coating layer 6.
Such a configuration can also provide an effect similar to that of the emblem
member shown in Fig. 1. Further, coating layer 6 that covers second region 2db
of
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base portion 2 functions as a protective member for protecting base portion 2.
This
can enhance emblem member 1 in durability.
Fig. 14 is a schematic cross section showing a second exemplary variation of
the emblem member shown in Fig. 1. Emblem member 1 shown in Fig. 14 basically
has the same configuration as emblem member 1 shown in Fig. 1 except that
transparent member 4 has a shape different than emblem member 1 shown in Fig.
1.
That is, for emblem member 1 shown in Fig. 14, transparent member 4 has a
surface 4c
including a curved surface portion 43. Curved surface portion 43 is a curved
surface
convexed toward base portion 2. Further, surface 4c of transparent member 4
includes
curved surface portion 43 described above and an inclined portion 44. Inclined
portion 44 interconnects curved surface portion 43 and surface 2d of base
portion 2.
Inclined portion 44 is inclined away from mark portion 3 as inclined portion
44
approaches surface 2d of base portion 2. While inclined portion 44 has a flat
surface,
it may have a curved surface. Such a configuration can also provide an effect
similar
to that of emblem member 1 shown in Fig. 1. Further, as transparent member 4
has
surface 4c including differently shaped portions, that is, curved surface
portion 43 and
inclined portion 44, how mark portion 3 is visually recognized through
transparent
member 4 can be significantly changed depending on the position of the line of
sight.
Fig. 15 is a schematic cross section showing a third exemplary variation of
the
emblem member shown in Fig. 1. Emblem member 1 shown in Fig. 15 basically has
the same configuration as emblem member 1 shown in Fig. 1 except that
transparent
member 4 has a shape different than emblem member 1 shown in Fig. 1. That is,
for
emblem member 1 shown in Fig. 15, transparent member 4 has surface 4c that is
curved surface portion 43. Curved surface portion 43 is a curved surface
convexed
toward base portion 2. Such a configuration can also provide an effect similar
to that
of emblem member 1 shown in Fig. 1. Further, as transparent member 4 has
surface
4c that is curved surface portion 43, how mark portion 3 is visually
recognized through
transparent member 4 can be significantly changed from how mark portion 3 is
visually
recognized through transparent member 4 when surface 4c is a flat surface.
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Fig. 16 is a schematic cross section showing a fourth exemplary variation of
the
emblem member shown in Fig. 1. Emblem member 1 shown in Fig. 16 basically has
the same configuration as emblem member 1 shown in Fig. 15 except that how
connecting portion 5 is configured and coating layer 6 is further comprised.
That is,
for the emblem member shown in Fig. 16, surface 2d of base portion 2 includes
first
region 2da and second region 2db. First region 2da is a region in which
transparent
member 4 is disposed. Second region 2db is a region other than first region
2da and
surrounds first region 2da. Emblem member 1 includes coating layer 6 disposed
so as
to cover second region 2db. Coating layer 6 is connected to transparent member
4.
Coating layer 6 is composed of a material similar to that of transparent
member 4.
Connecting portion 5 is an impregnated portion 2a at which base portion 2 is
impregnated with a portion of transparent member 4 and coating layer 6 and the
portion
is solidified, and connecting portion 5 extends from a region under a
peripheral portion
of transparent member 4 to a region under coating layer 6. Connecting portion
5 is
formed throughout a region located under coating layer 6. The configuration of
coating layer 6 and connecting portion 5 of the emblem member shown in Fig. 16
is the
same as the configuration of coating layer 6 and connecting portion 5 of
emblem
member 1 shown in Fig. 13. Such a configuration can provide an effect similar
to that
of emblem members 1 shown in Figs. 15 and 13.
Fig. 17 is a schematic cross section showing a fifth exemplary variation of
the
emblem member shown in Fig. 1. Emblem member 1 shown in Fig. 17 basically has
the same configuration as emblem member 1 shown in Fig. 1 except that
transparent
member 4 has a shape different than emblem member 1 shown in Fig. 1. That is,
for
emblem member 1 shown in Fig. 17, transparent member 4 has surface 4c that is
a
curved surface portion 45. Curved surface portion 45 is a curved surface
convexed in
a direction away from base portion 2. Such a configuration can also provide an
effect
similar to that of emblem member 1 shown in Fig. 1. Further, as transparent
member
4 has surface 4c that is curved surface portion 45, how mark portion 3 is
visually
recognized through transparent member 4 can be significantly changed from how
mark
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portion 3 is visually recognized through transparent member 4 when surface 4c
is a flat
surface. Further, transparent member 4 shown in Fig. 17 can also act like a
convex
lens to enlarge mark portion 3 for visual recognition.
Fig. 18 is a schematic cross section showing a sixth exemplary variation of
the
emblem member shown in Fig. 1. Emblem member 1 shown in Fig. 18 basically has
the same configuration as emblem member 1 shown in Fig. 17 except that the
former
comprises connecting portion 5 and coating layer 6. That is, the emblem member
shown in Fig. 18 comprises coating layer 6 and connecting portion 5 similar to
those of
emblem member 1 shown in Fig. 16. Such a configuration can provide an effect
similar to that of emblem members 1 shown in Figs. 17 and 16.
Fig. 19 is a schematic cross section showing a seventh exemplary variation of
the emblem member shown in Fig. 1. Emblem member 1 shown in Fig. 19 basically
has the same configuration as emblem member 1 shown in Fig. 1 except that
transparent member 4 has a shape different than emblem member 1 shown in Fig.
1.
That is, for emblem member 1 shown in Fig. 19, transparent member 4 has an
upper
portion that is a flat surface. That is, transparent member 4 has a
trapezoidal cross
section. Such a configuration can also provide an effect similar to that of
emblem
member 1 shown in Fig. 1. Further, as transparent member 4 has a trapezoidal
cross
section, how mark portion 3 is visually recognized through transparent member
4 can
be significantly changed from how mark portion 3 is visually recognized for
emblem
member 1 shown in Fig. 1.
Fig. 20 is a schematic cross section showing an eighth exemplary variation of
the emblem member shown in Fig. 1. Emblem member 1 shown in Fig. 20 basically
has the same configuration as emblem member 1 shown in Fig. 19 except that the
former comprises connecting portion 5 and coating layer 6. That is, the emblem
member shown in Fig. 20 comprises coating layer 6 and connecting portion 5
similar to
those of emblem member 1 shown in Fig. 16. Such a configuration can provide an
effect similar to that of emblem members 1 shown in Figs. 19 and 16.
<Example of exercise tool with emblem member applied thereto>
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Fig. 21 is a schematic view of a ball catching tool with the Fig. 1 emblem
member attached thereto. As shown in Fig. 21, a baseball or softball ball
catching
tool 100 (hereinafter simply referred to as ball catching tool 100) which is
an example
of an exercise tool according to the present embodiment is worn by a wearer's
hand.
In the following description, a wearer's hand includes a bare hand or a hand
wearing a
glove (an underglove). A back of a hand of a wearer includes a back of a bare
hand or
an outermost surface portion of a hand located on the back side of a glove.
Further,
while the present embodiment indicates a baseball or softball glove as an
example of
ball catching tool 100, ball catching tool 100 in the present embodiment may
be a
catcher's mitt, a first baseman's mitt, or the like.
Ball catching tool 100 mainly comprises a bag portion 102, a web portion 103,
and emblem member 1. Bag portion 102 has an internal space for receiving the
wearer's hand. Bag portion 102 and web portion 103 are mainly composed of a
material such as for example natural leather, artificial leather, synthetic
leather, or the
like.
Bag portion 102 includes, for example, a first finger bag portion 121, a
second
finger bag portion 122, a third finger bag portion 123, a fourth finger bag
portion 124, a
fifth finger bag portion 125, and a palm bag portion 126. First, second,
third, fourth
and fifth finger bag portions 121, 122, 123, 124 and 125 are connected to palm
bag
portion 126.
First finger bag portion 121 has an internal space provided for receiving a
first
finger (a thumb) of the wearer. Second finger bag portion 122 has an internal
space
provided for receiving a second finger (an index finger) of the wearer. Third
finger
bag portion 123 has an internal space provided for receiving a third finger (a
middle
finger) of the wearer. Fourth finger bag portion 124 has an internal space
provided for
receiving a fourth finger (a ring finger) of the wearer. Fifth finger bag
portion 125 has
an internal space provided for receiving a fifth finger (a little finger) of
the wearer.
Palm bag portion 126 has an internal space provided for receiving a palm of
the wearer.
The internal space of the palm bag portion 126 receives the wear's first
metacarpal bone
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(the metacarpal bone of a thumb), a second metacarpal bone (the metacarpal
bone of an
index finger), a third metacarpal bone (the metacarpal bone of a middle
finger), a fourth
metacarpal bone (the metacarpal bone of a ring finger), and a fifth metacarpal
bone (the
metacarpal bone of a little finger).
First, second, third, fourth and fifth finger bag portions 121, 122, 123, 124,
and
125 have their respective internal spaces connected to the internal space of
palm bag
portion 126. First, second, third, fourth and fifth finger bag portions 121,
122, 123,
124 and 125 have their respective internal spaces interconnected via the
internal space
of palm bag portion 126.
First finger bag portion 121 is distant from second, third, fourth and fifth
finger
bag portions 122, 123, 124 and 125. First finger bag portion 121 and second
finger
bag portion 122 are disposed with web portion 103 interposed. Third finger bag
portion 123 is disposed adjacent to second finger bag portion 122 on a side
opposite to
first finger bag portion 121 with respect to second finger bag portion 122.
Fourth
finger bag portion 124 is disposed adjacent to third finger bag portion 123 on
a side
opposite to second finger bag portion 122 with respect to third finger bag
portion 123.
Fifth finger bag portion 125 is disposed adjacent to fourth finger bag portion
124 on a
side opposite to third finger bag portion 123 with respect to fourth finger
bag portion
124.
Palm bag portion 126 includes an insertion portion 127, a palm portion (not
shown), and a back portion 129. Insertion portion 127 is configured as an
opening for
the wearer to insert a hand into the internal space of ball catching tool 100.
Insertion
portion 127 faces the internal space of palm bag portion 126 and is located on
a side
opposite to the internal space of each of first, second, third, fourth and
fifth finger bag
portions 121, 122, 123, 124 and 125 with respect to the internal space of palm
bag
portion 126.
The palm portion is disposed so as to face a palm of the wearer. The palm
portion faces the internal space of palm bag portion 126 and is located on the
side of
the palm of the wearer with respect to the internal space of palm bag portion
126.
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Back portion 129 is disposed so as to face the back of a hand of the wearer.
Back portion 129 faces the internal space of palm bag portion 126 and is
disposed on
the side of the back of the hand of the wearer with respect to the internal
space of palm
bag portion 126. Back portion 129 is provided so as to face at least the
second, third,
fourth and fifth metacarpal bones of the wearer. Back portion 129 is composed
for
example of a strap. A portion of back portion 129 located on the side of the
thumb is
provided such that it is integrated for example with a portion of bag portion
102 located
on the side of the thumb. A portion of back portion 129 located on the side of
the
little finger is connected for example by a string member to a portion of bag
portion
102 located on the side of the little finger.
Bag portion 102 between back portion 129 and second to fourth finger bag
portions 122-124 is provided for example with an opening 104. Opening 104
faces
the internal space of bag portion 102. Back portion 129 is disposed closer to
insertion
portion 127 than opening 104 is, for example.
Web portion 103 is attached to bag portion 102. Web portion 103 is disposed
between first finger bag portion 121 and second finger bag portion 122. Web
portion
103 is configured to cover at least a portion of a region located between
first finger bag
portion 121 and second finger bag portion 122. Web portion 103 is provided in
the
form of a mesh, for example. Web section 103 is not limited in configuration
thereto.
As shown in Fig. 21, emblem member 1 is attached to back portion 129.
Emblem member 1 may be attached to either a surface of bag portion 102 or a
surface
of web portion 103. For example, emblem member 1 may be disposed on any of
first,
second, third, fourth and fifth finger bag portions 121, 122, 123, 124 and 125
on a back
side thereof. Alternatively, emblem member 1 may be disposed on web portion
103
on a back side thereof.
It should be understood that the presently disclosed embodiments are
illustrative
and non-restrictive in any respect. At least two of the presently disclosed
embodiments may be combined together unless doing so is contradictory. The
present
disclosure basically has a scope defined by the appended claims rather than by
the
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foregoing description, and is intended to include any modification within the
meaning
and scope equivalent to the terms of the appended claims.
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